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LSC-40073 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

LSC-40073 - Advanced Research Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
Coordinator: Rebecca Harrison Room: HUX202 Tel: +44 1782 7 33056
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module will develop your skills in the acquisition and critical analysis of primary scientific literature relevant to a range of research methodologies in microbiology and immunology. Following research-level seminar presentations by staff and invited speakers, you will critically evaluate select research publications and develop a deeper understanding of appropriate experimental design, data analysis, presentation and evaluation, and the application of a wide range of advanced techniques in the fields of microbiology and immunology.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to research topics in Microbiology, Immunology and the wider biosciences appropriate to level 7. Students will gain further experience in the critical analysis and evaluation of primary research publications and the applications of modern research methodologies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and critically evaluate the context, methodology and results of primary scientific literature: 1,2
discuss the principles and applications of selected research methods/techniques in the biosciences: 1,2
evaluate and discuss the impact of research outcomes in terms of societal, financial and intellectual perspectives: 1,2
communicate clearly and effectively in written form, using scientific language and terminology appropriate to different audiences: 1
present and critique research data in small group oral presentations
: 2

Study hours

12 hours of practical/skills-based activities (workshops/practical activities)
11 hours of journal club sessions and supporting tutorials
277 hours of independent study: preparation for journal club sessions (including student oral presentation) and completion of a portfolio, attending additional school/faculty research seminars

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 70%
Research seminar and journal club portfolio


2: Presentation weighted 30%
Presentation of research paper


The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026